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Debates over the risks and benefits of nuclear power plants have sparked worldwide, since an 8.9-magnitude earthquake struck Japan on Friday, 11 March causing widespread fear that the nuclear reactors of at least two power plants near Fukushima may be at risk of melt down. Thousands of citizens in areas at risk of radiation in the North East region are being evacuated in case the very worst should happen. There was an explosion at one plant in Fukushima on Saturday, 12 March.

Throughout the day, Japanese citizens shared their concerns on Twitter. Some urging against alarmist tweeting that could cause panic, and many more venting frustrations over safety risks.

Takuya Kawai (@himanainu_kawai) a teacher and leading social media personality in Japan belongs to the former category:

@saltfish_nsk: Electric companies know well enough that earthquakes could cause the worst to happen to a nuclear power plant. First and foremost, Japan is an earthquake country. Why do we need nuclear power? Any accident is the same as the A-bomb. It makes one wonder what have the government has learned from the past.

A blogger who describes himself as a pacifist and former officer of Japanese self-defence forces (@BND7) leaves little room for debate:

@gocci0515: People use as much electricity as they like on any given day, and then start spouting dislike for nuclear power when something like this happens, even though most people just don’t understand it that well. Then give us an alternative energy source! If you’re going to say that your existence is a necessary evil, think about how the personnel onsite must feel. They are the ones that most wish for an alternative to nuclear power.

Who is to blame?

Some critics have placed the blame for the catastrophic situation on the energy demands of large cities such as capital Tokyo.

@mokko0307: The reason we have nuclear power plants in Fukushima and Niigata Prefectures [regions] is for people in Tokyo and other big cities. If people didn’t waste electricity, there wouldn't be a need for these facilities and things like this wouldn’t have had to happen….. We should seriously tackle the issue of electricity waste.

Anger has been directed by some at a perceived last of interest or concern in the disaster and affected people, particularly in Tokyo. This tweet is from Saturday:

@cobayasu: In regards to Shibuya [area in central Tokyo], the big screen display Aurora Vision is alight as usual, as are the shops. Pachinko parlours [amusement gambling arcades] are open, and it’s crowded like on a usual Saturday. Shibuya is working to regain its day-to-day life as if it has no connection to the reality of Fukushima’s nuclear plant and afflicted people. The feeling of unity and crisis on Twitter can't be felt throughout town.

Referring to how few companies had switched off their electric signs on the night of 12 March, @MasaKawaKAKA tweeted:

@WindyxLady: That clip of the nuclear power plant is freaking scary! The wind is blowing toward the stricken area. Could this be the worst situation? We might need some expert advice from overseas that are familiar with the workings of nuclear power. Is this something so serious that the government can’t tell its people?

@sino1945: Well… as someone far away from Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant, I need not know the details. Can’t do anything even if I had information, right? I can only pray for the safety and efforts of the staff on the ground.